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The manhunt continues for Travis Caleb Decker, a former U.S. Army soldier accused of killing his three young daughters, as more than 100 officers from local, state and federal agencies patrol forests and campgrounds near the Pacific Crest Trail in Washington state.

Newsweek has reached out to the Chelan Sheriff’s Office and the Wenatchee Police Department for comment via email on Sunday.

Why It Matters

Police have been searching for Decker, 32, after his three daughters, Paityn Decker, 9, Evelyn Decker, 8, and Olivia Decker, 5 were found dead on June 2 at a remote campsite in Washington state. Decker’s daughters reportedly died from asphyxiation. Decker’s vehicle was at the scene, but he was not.

Their mother reported them missing on May 30 when Decker did not return back to their home at his scheduled custody time.

Pictures, flowers and candles mark a makeshift memorial on June 3 in Wenatchee, Washington, in honor of Olivia, Paityn and Evelyn Decker, who were found dead after their father Travis Decker failed to return them… Pictures, flowers and candles mark a makeshift memorial on June 3 in Wenatchee, Washington, in honor of Olivia, Paityn and Evelyn Decker, who were found dead after their father Travis Decker failed to return them after a scheduled visitation. More Nick Wagner/The Seattle Times via AP

What To Know

An arrest warrant for Decker is active for three counts of aggravated first-degree murder, according to court documents reviewed by Newsweek.

Decker picked up his daughters on May 30 for a court-ordered scheduled visitation. According to attorney Arianna Cozart, who represents the girls’ mother Whitney Decker, Travis and her client were in constant contact regarding their children.

The former couple had been discussing Travis’ dog Chinook and concerns about what to do with the dog as temperatures rose as Travis was living in his car. Whitney offered to let the dog live with her.

Travis later instructed the children to get their belongings and told Whitney they’d return at 8 p.m. but never returned, according to Cozart.

Cozart added that if her client had noticed any unusual behavior, “Whitney would not have allowed the visitation.”

Meanwhile, an affidavit from the U.S. Marshals Service states that Google provided Decker’s search history, which included “how does a person move to Canada,” “how to relocate to Canada,” and “jobs Canada.” The affidavit states it’s likely he committed unlawful flight to avoid prosecution and that he may be heading for the border.

More than 100 officers and agents are searching for the 32-year-old in the area, the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office said in a Friday news release, adding that more than 500 tips have been received from the public.

“Deputies are conducting 24-hour patrols in areas accessible through the rough mountain terrain between Icicle Creek and our county,” Kittitas County Sheriff said in a June 6 update.

On Friday night, Washington Governor Bob Ferguson activated the National Guard to assist in the search.

A reward of up to $20,000 was offered for information leading to his arrest.

Decker joined the Army in 2013 and then transferred to the Washington National Guard in 2021, according to the Associated Press. Court documents state he may have survival training and extensive outdoor skills.

Several sections of forest, campgrounds and roads have been periodically closed during the manhunt.

A fundraiser “to help cover final expenses, support time off from work, and give her space to heal without financial pressure,” for the girls’ mother, Whitney, has raised over $1 million from 25,000 users.

What People Are Saying

Washington Governor Bob Ferguson said in a Friday night statement: “Tonight, I am tapping emergency funds and ordering Washington National Guard resources to support the search for Travis Decker, who is suspected of killing his three daughters. At the request of the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office, we will be providing helicopter transportation for law enforcement as they search in remote areas.”

Chelan County Sheriff Mike Morrison said at a press conference on Wednesday: “I don’t think any motive would be acceptable. And clearly it’s not the decision of a sound mind.”

What Happens Next?

The search for Decker continues throughout the Pacific Northwest region.

Law enforcement has asked the public to assist in the search by reviewing doorbell or security camera footage and reporting any potential tips or sightings.